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Why support science education?
Why should we invest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education? The answer is simple yet profound. We must all recognize that we live in an era of constant scientific discovery and technological change, which directly affects our lives and requires our input as citizens. And we must recognize that as our economy increasingly depends on these revolutionary new advances, many new jobs will be created in STEM fields. If we are to stay competitive as a nation, then we need to build a scientifically literate citizenry and a bank of highly skilled, STEM-educated employees.
Scientific literacy is the new demand of our post-industrial society. By systematically teaching STEM subjects to our students, we can ensure that the so-called "skills gap," where companies have openings for STEM-literate employees but can’t fill them because of a shortage of workers with the necessary skills, is closed.
At the Smithsonian Science Education Center, we work with scientists and educators to provide children with the scientific knowledge that will help employ them, help them become the citizens that will continue to change our world for the better, and prepare them to meet the demands of the fast-paced changes of today and tomorrow.
How Your Donation Helps
The Smithsonian Science Education Center receives no federally appropriated funds. We rely on gifts from people like you. Your support helps us pave the way to greater success and impact on a national, and international, scale.
Whatever your focus, your investment will be transformative. We are dedicated to continuing our work to affect inquiry-based engagement in schools until every classroom, teacher and student is reached. Please join us in fulfilling our vision: teaching the next generation to embrace scientific curiosity as the pathway to successful careers and lives.
The Smithsonian Institution’s sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
